Lifestyles

What is breast cancer?

By Katie Nelson

Contra Costa Times

Posted:
10/27/2012 02:22:51 PM PDT

Updated:
10/27/2012 02:22:51 PM PDT

Breast cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the breast. The damaged cells can invade surrounding tissue, but with early detection and treatment, most people continue a normal life. But breast cancer can be cured, if caught early. Here is a look at some of the facts and figures about the disease, according to nationalbreastcancer.org, that can affect both women and men:

One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women.

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women.

Each year it is estimated that over 220,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die.

Although breast cancer in men is rare, an estimated 2,150 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 410 will die each year.